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Rediff.com  » Cricket » PHOTOS: India's bowling exposed, Aus batsmen reign on Day 2

PHOTOS: India's bowling exposed, Aus batsmen reign on Day 2

Last updated on: December 10, 2014 16:33 IST
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Images from Day Two in the first Test between Australia and India, in Adelaide, on Wednesday.

Michael Clarke of Australia raises his bat

Australia's Michael Clarke raises his bat after scoring a century during Day 2 of the first Test against India. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Captain Michael Clarke fought through pain to slam 128, while Steve Smith also produced a career-best hundred against India's hapless bowling attack as Australia piled up a mammoth 517 for seven to take control of the first cricket Test on a rain-truncated second day, in Adelaide, on Wednesday.

Scorecard

Captain courageous: Injured Clarke returns to the crease

Michael Clarke of Australia is congratulated by Steven Smith

Michael Clarke is congratulated by Steven Smith after completing his hundred. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Clarke defied a back injury, which forced him to leave the field on Tuesday, to notch his 28th Test ton, and combined with Smith (162 not out) to steer Australia to a commanding position on a stop-start day.

Virat Kohli of India speaks to his bowler Varun Aaron

India's Virat Kohli speaks to pacer Varun Aaron. Photograph: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images

It was a frustrating day for the Indians as they leaked runs and managed to garner just one wicket at the fag end of play by getting rid of Clarke, debutant Karn Sharma providing the breakthrough.

The Indian pace bowlers were far from impressive as they bowled a poor line and length and seldom troubled the Australians.

Clarke, despite the back injury, played his shots effortlessly, presented too often by loose deliveries by a rather listless attack.

Steve Smith of Australia celebrates

Steve Smith celebrates after completing his century. Photograph: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Smith, on the other hand, continued his good form to clinch his fifth Test century and was undefeated on a career-best 162 when play was called off early due to fading light and rain interruptions.

In all, there were three rain interruptions during the day on which merely 30 overs could be bowled.

Michael Clarke of Australia kisses his wife Kyly Clarke during a rain delay during day two

Michael Clarke of Australia kisses his wife, Kyly, during a rain delay on Day 2. Photograph: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images

On a stop-start kind a day when rain interrupted the match at least thrice, the Australian batsmen scored at a brisk pace.

By the time rain stopped play for the third time, only 21 overs could have been bowled but the Aussies had stolen 119 runs.

Emotions were still running high in the aftermath of Phillip Hughes's death and both Clarke and Smith looked heaven-wards after completing their hundreds to pay tributes to the late batsman, who was named the honorary 13th man before the match.

Earlier, Australia had resumed on 354 for six in 89.2 overs.

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane of India leave the field

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane of India leave the field. Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

For the Indians, however, it was only frustration and Kohli could barely hide his disappointment with his bowlers, who just could not find their rhythm.

The three quick wickets picked up last evening had brought the visitors back into the game but the momentum was quickly lost on Wednesday when Clarke and Smith put on 163 runs for the seventh wicket, scoring at a brisk rate.

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